A Letter to Mr. Plan

Dear Plan,

This letter is in regards to your performance as of late. I employed you with the simple task to direct my life, but instead you left me alone at the mercy of other peoples' agency. Why didn't you step in and stop it? Couldn't you have used your authoritative power to put the others in their places? Haven't they all been assigned by you to their corresponding positions? What am I paying you for?

I invested in you and your future because you promised me a different life than the one I now find I have. You were so convincing! Your presentation lacked neither graphs nor stats. How is it with all your research that you were so easily mislead?

I am not mad at you...entirely. I am mad at myself for trusting you. I used to be a sensible person, adaptable to whatever situation came to me. Then you came in with all your talk about 'preparedness'. "Prepare for the change and you will never have to change," you always said. Is that what i am supposed to do? Sit and wait for the outcome you promised?

I regret to inform you, Plan, that I no longer need your services. You did not deliver on your promises, so I am forced to seek out someone else who can. I have spent to many resources and time invested in your promised potential only to find myself depleted.

I wish you luck in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Ryan White

Ryan's Recommendations

At work (Borders Bookstore) I was asked to make some suggestions of good books, movies, and music. While I was walking through the isles of books and music, I saw many things that I did like. I liked the plot of that book, I liked the lyrics to that song, I laughed at this part of the movie. I could of written my three-sentence recommendations about many items.
Yet, as I sat back and wondered what book/movie/music CD I would suggest someone to buy, I thought I should pick something that I not only liked but that I wanted everyone else to like as well; I needed something I sincerely loved.
I was limited at work by what we had in stock, but here I am not. The sky (internet) is my limit. So, I will make a list of Ryan's 5 recommended books/movies/music that one must listen too before they die...wow that sounds dramatic.

Books

1) Faith of the Fallen, by Terry Goodkind
Seriously, this is the best book. It is number 6 in a series of 13, but even if you don't read the 5 in front of it, you need to read this. You will love the strength of the human spirit more than ever after finishing it.

2) The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis
The book is about a man gets on a bus from Hell to Heaven. If you want to contemplate the deep with a fascinating story, there is no better book.

3) The Book of Mormon, by God
This book is scripture. If you want to know the divine, this book will introduce you, I guarantee it.

4) Much Ado About Nothing, by Shakespeare
This is by far my favorite Shakespearean play. It centers around how we as humans make conflicts about simple nothings and misunderstandings.

5) Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis
Another C.S. Lewis book, another interesting plot. It is a collection of letters from one devil to another about how to properly tempt man. This is worth every page.

Music

1) A Different Light, by Sherwood
This band is my all-time favorite band. This CD is an expression of their talent.

2) Transatlanticism, by Deathcab for Cutie
While Deathcab for Cutie has so many good songs, this CD has some of the best; Title and Registration, Tiny Vessels, and What Sarah Said are amazing works.

3) A Lesson in Romantics, by Mayday Parade
Every song is good! This isn't a CD where you skip over certain tracks, you will listen to them all.

4) North, by Something Corporate
Though this band is broken-up, lame, their songs are legendary. This album has it all. Listen to it, love it, and live on.

5) The Score to Braveheart, by James Horner
Don't be surprised if you see this movie on the movie's list. The soundtrack only exemplifies it.

Movies

1) Groundhog's Day
Funny, interesting, and Bill Murray.

2) Braveheart
This is a "Man's" movie. Every time I watch this, I speak in a Scottish accent for the next 2 days.

3) Waking Ned Devine
I appreciate movies that are original with interesting plots. This movie fits into both categories, plus it is inspirational.

4) Shrek (the original)
This was truly a well-written movie. Not only was it funny, but it had a great love-story everyone can relate too. You have to route for the undershrek.

5) Gladiator
Another Man's movie. If I were gay, I would stalk Russell Crowe. History, war, violence, enough said.

*Bonus movie
6) Bedazzled
I love this movie so much, I made an exception to my 5 list rule. This is a funny movie with a good moral, plus Elizabeth Hurley is in it!

It is important to remember that on any given day, some of these items will not make a top 5 list. But if one were to pass without reading these books, listening to these CDs, or watching these movies, it would be a shame.

New Year's Resolutions

"Our diet starts tomorrow!" This phrase was probably said by thousands of woman (and men) across the nation on new year's eve. Losing weight, working out, and getting in shape are very common new year's resolutions. Ironically, a study showed that new year's resolutions like these would be more effective in the spring. The dreary winter weather tends to have a negative impact on motivation, while the warm spring weather, associated with rebirth, encourages motivation...Lucky Australians!
Regardless of when you make your resolutions it is important to have a series of small daily or weekly things on the list like:

1) Workout for 20 minutes (daily)
2) Floss (daily)
3) Shower (weekly)

The small regular resolutions are the easiest to forget, but in the end can help you change the most. These goals often lead you into bigger goals...for example, showering weekly will help me with my eventual goal to go on a date.
Along with small routine goals I think it is important to have a series of large, random (yet fun) goals that you want accomplished throughout the year. When I make my list, I do not think I will accomplish them all, but I hope to get as many of them as possible. Some of my big goals for this year are as follows:

1) Get onto the Price is Right game show (and spin the wheel)
2) Write a disgruntled letter to congress or a large corporation
3) Finish a triathlon in a superhero costume
4) Have my picture get into an conference-edition Ensign magazine
5) Try sushi....maybe
6) Meet someone from Iceland
7) Streak across a freeway overpass
8) Kiss a girl who has been on t.v (not someone from America's most wanted)
9) Speak for an entire week in a British accent.
10) Have a 24-hour t.v. marathon

Those are just some of the goals from this year's list. When making this list it is important to remember what kind of story to can tell in the future from accomplishing this goal. You may not finish all these goals, but each one you do finish adds to your own "interesting person" points.